From the Statehouse 2008 No. 17
by Jennifer Garrison
May. 24, 2008
From the Statehouse: Over $2.8 Million in Capital Funds Coming to the District
By Jennifer Garrison
Every two years, the Ohio General Assembly considers and enacts a Capital Appropriations Bill. This legislation provides funding for “bricks and mortar” projects throughout the state, including various community projects.
The majority of projects funded through the Capital Appropriations Bill involve construction projects at Ohio’s state-supported universities or state-owned buildings and facilities and use bonds, not General Revenue Funds, for funding. Additionally, a portion of the allocations in the bill are designated for community projects.
Planning for the bill began in January, and, working together with local leaders, Senator Padgett, and Governor Strickland, we were able to direct a significant amount of capital appropriations dollars to projects in our community. I made a commitment to the district to bring economic development opportunities to our area, and I believe local projects funded through this year’s Capital Appropriations Bill will be a great catalyst for further development and job creation in our area.
I am proud to announce that the two-year Capital Appropriations Budget, House Bill 562, includes more than $2.8 million in funding for projects in Ohio’s 93rd House District.
Projects funded in the current version of the bill include:
The Wilds - $1,000,000
Washington State Community College Basic Renovations - $328,895
Guernsey County MR/DD Boiler Replacement - $275,000
Washington State Community College Heath Science Education Facility - $250,000
Zane State College Willett-Pratt Training Center Expansion - $250,000
Colony Theatre Restoration - $250,000
Marietta Armory - $200,000
Salt Fork Marina Concession Stand - $124,500
Cambridge Little League Challenger Field - $50,000
Cambridge Performing Arts Center Electric and Heating Project - $37,500
Cambridge Handicapped Playground - $25,000
Southeast Ohio Emergency Responder Facility - $25,000
Monroe County Skyvue Outdoor Classroom - $10,000
This funding will go a long way in the Marietta and Cambridge Downtown Revitalization efforts, allowing the Colony Theatre and Marietta Armory projects to be completed and the Cambridge Performing Arts Center to be upgraded. Renovations and expansion at Washington State Community College and the Zane State Willett-Pratt Training Center will provide for state-of-the-art training facilities at our centers for higher education. Parks and recreation projects at The Wilds, Salt Fork State Park, and Cambridge City Parks will provide for great local recreation and enhanced tourism possibilities.
The common theme that underlines all of these projects is that they will provide for enhanced economic development opportunities and job creation for the entire district, both directly from the completion of these projects as well as the indirect job creation that will result from these important investments in our area’s future.
However, these projects only represent a small portion of the work that is waiting to be done in the area, and I will continue to work with area leaders to secure state support for worthwhile projects that will provide future opportunities for development in Southeast Ohio.
HB 562 passed out of the House by an overwhelming 94-2 margin, including my “yes” vote. The Capital Appropriations are supported by Governor Strickland and now move to the Senate for its consideration.
You can reach Jennifer Garrison at her Columbus office at (614) 644-8728 or in the district at 373-2414 or by e-mail at jennifer@jennifergarrison.com. Her Web site is Riffe Center | 77 South High Street | Columbus Ohio 43215-6111 | (800) 282-0253 | District93@ohr.state.oh.us
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